The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry announced on 26 November a new target of installing around 20 gigawatts of next-generation perovskite solar cells - equivalent to powering 5.5 million households - by 2040.
The target will be part of the ministry's new energy policies outlined by the end of the year.
Japan has pioneered research into perovskite cells, which are also known as 'flexible solar cells'.
Their lightweight structure and flexibility make them suitable for a wide range of applications, including roofs, walls and even windows.
While traditional solar panels rely heavily on imported silicon, perovskite cells use iodine, which can be mined in Japan. This opens up potential export markets.
As competition from China and Europe in the production of perovskite cells intensifies, the ministry has called for a joint effort between the public and private sectors to establish mass production technologies and a stable manufacturing base. | BGNES
